I was going to create a poll but then realized I couldn't get the granularity we might need from 10 options in the poll.

So, to update: Alex has found a new forum engine, and if I understand correctly the designer of the engine (which has been in use for a while now and which has a good reputation) will port forums from old engines (like ours, phpBB) to his new engine.

Naturally, he doesn't do this for free. The estimated quote (the final quote could be more or less, we don't know yet) is $1500, plus $100 setup. Then $10 a month in perpetuity afterward.

I'm actually okay with covering all this cost. But it's still a significant cost (on the transfer, not the upkeep), so I think it's a good idea to check how many members would be willing to contribute for a one time donation to help me cover the cost, and if so how much.

This isn't an official pledge request. I'm just trying to get an idea of how much help could be expected. Obviously I would pay for the transfer first, and then once everything is safely done people could make donations to offset the cost after the fact. The point here is to protect as many people as possible from making donations blindly to something that they don't know for sure will ever happen. (There are also issues of consolidating the tax burden to one person and so forth, just to simplify the accounting without having to create a non-profit legal entity with directors or whatever.)

How would we end up paying? I remember seeing something in posts Jason has made about donating $5, but I forgot what the mechanism was. If it can be done through a company I trust such as Amazon I would be inclined to put $50.

How would we end up paying? I remember seeing something in posts Jason has made about donating $5, but I forgot what the mechanism was. If it can be done through a company I trust such as Amazon I would be inclined to put $50.qaz

Yeah, no one would contribute ANYTHING until we get the forum transferred. (Well, no one but me.)

Once the fait has been accompli'd, so to speak, then, well, we can work something out. I have a Paypal account, or people can buy copies of my novel on Amazon (and give them for presents or donate to libraries or whatever). The $5 donation option through Amazon doesn't work anymore. (Note to self, I should remove that link from my exegetical posts.)

Thanks, everyone! I just want to give you all an update. Jason and Alex are working out details now about esoteric techie things and I think we'll soon get news that the process of transfer is underway. I'll let you know. And thanks again! You all are great.

. . . we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)